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Malinda
C. O'Donnell
Education:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
1999 B.S. Biology and Biotechnology, Concentration in
Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics
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Research Interests:
My work in the Garcea lab investigates the nuclear import and assembly of the capsid proteins for polyoma (warts) and Papilloma (cervical cancer) viruses. The capsid proteins have an inherent ability to self-assemble, as has been shown in vitro, allowing only nuclear assembly in infected cells. Import proteins, namely Karyopherins alpha-2 and beta-1, bind to the capsid proteins and potentially inhibit capsid protein assembly in the cytoplasm. When the protein complex is imported into the nucleus, Ran-GTP cycles off the karyopherins, allowing the capsid proteins to encapsidate the viral DNA to form virions. By determining the mechanism with which viruses assemble, more specific antiviral techniques can be employed to treat such infection.
General Interests:
I enjoy swimming and diving, skiing, hiking, and spending time
with my dog.
Publications:
Latest Publications in PubMed
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